small audience

USAGE SUMMARY

"small audience" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a group of people who have gathered to observe an event or activity, particularly when the size of the group is smaller than it is expected to be or smaller than usual. For example, "The show had a small audience compared to its usual turnout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that's a small audience".

The Guardian

After 15 minutes, Cosell still has a small audience.

The New York Times

Will you be satisfied with a small audience?

The New York Times - Magazine

At its conclusion — "Later" — the small audience applauded.

The New Yorker

It's like a small audience, it's like forget it.

The Guardian - Books

"I thought I would write for a small audience.

The Guardian

interviews me in front of a small audience, that's fine.

The New York Times

There's a small audience in the hall tonight.

The New York Times

Most are niche products, written for a relatively small audience.

The New York Times

So far, netbooks have appealed to a relatively small audience.

The New York Times - Tech

"Rein me in," she frequently implored the small audience.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In marketing or business contexts, acknowledge a "small audience" but emphasize their value or influence if they are a highly targeted or engaged group.

Common error

Don't dismiss a "small audience" as unimportant. Their engagement, influence, or purchasing power may be disproportionately high compared to a larger, less focused group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small audience" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "small" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "audience". According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct. Examples show it describing the size of a group attending an event or consuming media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small audience" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a limited number of attendees or viewers. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. While its literal meaning is straightforward, remember the context in which it's used. As indicated by Ludwig's examples, focusing on the quality and engagement of a "small audience" can be more valuable than simply lamenting its size. You can use alternatives, depending on the context, as long as they are appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited viewership

Focuses on the number of viewers, especially for broadcast media.

sparse crowd

Indicates a thinly spread and underwhelming number of people.

restricted attendance

Highlights the limited number of people present at an event.

reduced turnout

Highlights a lower than expected number of attendees.

modest following

Emphasizes the limited number of supporters or fans.

diminished presence

Emphasizes the reduced number of individuals attending.

niche market

Refers to a specific segment of the population with particular interests or needs.

close-knit circle

Suggests a small, interconnected group with shared interests.

select group

Implies a carefully chosen or exclusive assembly of individuals.

intimate gathering

Conveys a sense of closeness and informality among the attendees.

FAQs

How can I use "small audience" in a sentence?

You can use "small audience" to describe a limited number of attendees at an event. For example, "The play was well-received, despite drawing only a "small audience"".

What are some alternatives to "small audience"?

Alternatives include "limited viewership", "restricted attendance", or "modest following", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "small audience" or "limited audience"?

Both "small audience" and "limited audience" are acceptable. "Small" emphasizes the size, while "limited" suggests a constraint or restriction on the number of people.

How does the perception of a "small audience" affect performance or presentation?

The size of the audience can affect the dynamics of a performance. A "small audience" may create a more intimate or less intimidating atmosphere, potentially leading to a more personal and engaging interaction.